Lesson 2 - The Short Story
Unit 1: Theory
LESSON 2: THE SHORT STORY
LESSON
Read and study the notes on the SHORT STORY that you have downloaded and printed.
Before you read...
"The Possibility of Evil" - Shirley Jackson
A master of the gothic horror tale, Shirley Jackson wrote psychological thrillers. Several of her novels and short stories have been produced as films or plays. The majority of her work has focused on the darker side of human nature. Before you read, try to recall a time when you had a favourable opinion of someone, only to learn that that person had betrayed your trust....
Read "The Possibility of Evil" on pages 223-228 of your anthology, Elements of English 10 (or, linked below)
ASSIGNMENT
Answer the following questions for "The Possibility of Evil".
Be sure to include enough detail to answer all parts of the questions, and to support your answers.
1. Plot - tell where each of the following occurs in "The Possibility of Evil"
antecedent action -
initial incident
rising action
climax
falling action
resolution
2. Conflict - explain the main conflict in "The Possibility of Evil"
3. Setting - where and when does "The Possibility of Evil" take place
4. Atmosphere - describe the atmosphere (mood) of "The Possibility of Evil"
5. Character and characterization- Miss Strangeworth
- major or minor? explain
- round or flat? explain
- static or dynamic? explain
- antagonist or protagonist? explain
6. Point of view - identity and explain the point of view of "The Possibility of Evil"
7. Symbol - Choose ONE of the following symbols and explain its significance:
- Miss Strangeworth's name
- Miss Strangeworth's roses
8. Theme - what is the theme of "The Possibility of Evil"?